Description
This Cajun Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for finishing)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure even cooking and proper browning. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Optionally add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking; this helps achieve a crispy, golden crust on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 5–6 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Add Butter and Baste (Optional): If using, add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the melted butter over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor and richness.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken breasts for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Serve this Cajun chicken over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- This recipe also works wonderfully with chicken thighs or chicken tenders if you prefer.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture and juiciness.
